System and Method for Timing Firearm Practice Drills

ABSTRACT

A practice round is provided for use with an electronic device, such as a smart phone, to allow a user to time firearm practice drills without using live ammunition. Prior to performing a practice drill, the user loads the practice round into the chamber of the firearm similar to a live round. After a short delay, the electronic device provides a start signal and simultaneously starts an electronic timer. In response to the start signal, the user performs the practice drill which ends with the firing pin of the firearm striking the practice round in response to a trigger pull. The practice round senses the strike of the firing pin and stops the electronic timer. The electronic device then displays the elapsed time between the start signal and the strike of the firing pin on the practice round.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/068,667, filed Oct. 25, 2014, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety, including but not limited to thoseportions that specifically appear hereinafter, the incorporation byreference being made with the following exception: In the event that anyportion of the above-referenced provisional application is inconsistentwith this application, this application supersedes said above-referencedprovisional application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to firearms training andpractice, and more particularly, but not necessarily entirely, toelectronic systems, methods and devices that measure an elapsed time offirearm practice drills.

2. Description of Related Art

Firearm practice drills offer shooters a proven way to improve theirfirearm handling skills. Practice drills may vary depending on the typeof firearm and the needs of the shooter. One popular practice drill isthe quick-draw drill that requires that the shooter draw the firearmfrom a holster and then shoot at a target. Another popular drill is areload drill which requires the shooter to reload the firearm and thenshoot at a target. Other practice drills are known as well that end withthe shooter firing a live round at a target.

In the past, handheld shot timers have been used in firearm trainingand, in particular, they have been used to time practice drills. Thebasic function of shot timers is to provide an audible start signal andthen record the time from the start signal to the actual shot. Forexample, a quick-draw drill may include a shooter standing ready andthen, upon hearing the audible start signal provided by the shot timer,draw the firearm and shoot a live round at a target. The shot timer willthen display the elapsed time between the start signal and the shot. Theshot timer may detect the shot by monitoring for the audible report ofthe bullet being fired from the firearm. Thus, it is understood thatpresently available shot timers require the use of live ammunition.Further, shot timers are typically held by a second person that standsnear the shooter during the practice drill.

Despite the advantages of known shot timers for firearm practice drills,improvements are still being sought. For example, many of the shottimers disadvantageously require the use of live ammunition as well as asecond person to perform the actual timing. It would be an advantage toprovide a shot timer system and method that allows a shooter to reliablytime practice drills without the need for live ammunition or a secondperson to perform the timing. The prior art is thus characterized byseveral disadvantages that are addressed by the present invention. Thepresent invention minimizes, and in some aspects eliminates, theabove-mentioned failures, and other problems, by utilizing the methodsand structural features described herein.

The features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in thedescription which follows, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by the practice of the invention withoutundue experimentation. The features and advantages of the invention maybe realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinationsparticularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent froma consideration of the subsequent detailed description presented inconnection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system for performing firearm training drillsaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an electronic device according to an embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A is an exemplary user interface for display on the electronicdevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B is an exemplary user interface for display on the electronicdevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3C is an exemplary user interface for display on the electronicdevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3D is an exemplary user interface for display on the electronicdevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3E is an exemplary user interface for display on the electronicdevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3F is an exemplary user interface for display on the electronicdevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a practice round according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an end view of a practice round according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a practice round according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a practice round according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a circuit board for the practice round accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a circuit board for the practice roundaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles inaccordance with the disclosure, reference will now be made to theembodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will beused to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that nolimitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Anyalterations and further modifications of the inventive featuresillustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles ofthe disclosure as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to oneskilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure,are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure claimed.

In describing and claiming the present disclosure, the followingterminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set outbelow. As used in this specification and the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the terms“comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “characterized by,” “having,”and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended termsthat do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. Asused herein, the term “proximal” shall refer broadly to the concept of anearest portion. As used herein, the term “distal” shall generally referto the opposite of proximal, and thus to the concept of a furtherportion, or a furthest portion, depending upon the context.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is depicted a firearm practice system 100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 100includes an electronic device 102 that is in wireless communication witha practice round 104 (not visible) that is loaded into a chamber of afirearm 106. A shooter 108, referred to hereafter as a “user,” may usethe electronic device 102 and the practice round 104 loaded in thefirearm 106 to time firearm practice drills. In an embodiment, theelectronic device 102 receives user input that causes the electronicdevice 102 to provide a start signal and, at the same time, start anelectronic timing device. It will be appreciated that the electronictiming device may be located at the electronic device 102 or as part ofthe practice round 104 (not visible).

Upon perceiving the start signal from the electronic device 102, theuser performs a firearm practice drill that ends with the user pullingthe trigger such that the firing pin strikes the practice round 104loaded in the chamber. Upon detecting the strike of the firing pin, thepractice round 104 transmits a wireless signal to the electronic device102. In response to the wireless signal from the practice round 104, theelectronic device 102 stops the timer and displays the elapsed time. Inthis manner, the present disclosure provides a user with the ability totime firearm practice drills without using live ammunition. This is abenefit because the user is able to perform practice drills without theneed to travel to a location that allows the use of live ammunition.

In an alternative embodiment, the electronic device 102 receives userinput that causes the electronic device 102 to send a wireless startsignal to the practice round 104. In response to the wireless startsignal, the practice round 104 starts an electronic timer.Alternatively, the electronic timer may be located at the electronicdevice 102. The practice round 104 stops the electronic timer when theuser pulls the trigger such that the firing pin strikes the practiceround 104 loaded in the chamber. The practice round 104 will thentransmit the elapsed time to the electronic device 102 where it isdisplayed to a user. The practice round 104 will store in memory all ofthe previously recorded times.

Each of these components of the system 100 is further described indetail below.

Electronic Device

Referring now to FIG. 2, the electronic device 102 comprises a processor110, a memory 112, a display 114, a battery 116, a radiotransmitter/receiver 117, an antenna 118, a firearm practice program120, and a start signal generator 122. It will be appreciated that theelectronic device 102 may be a portable electronic device, such as asmartphone, laptop computer, an electronic pad, or even aprocessor-based music player or gaming device. Suitable forms of theelectronic device 102 include iPhones®, iPads®, and the like. In anembodiment, the electronic device 102 is a dedicated device specificallytailored to perform the features and functionality described herein.

In an embodiment, the processor 110 is a microprocessor. In anembodiment, the processor 110 includes two or more processors. In anembodiment, the memory 112 may include RAM memory, ROM memory or anyother type of electronic memory capable of storing computer programs forexecution by processors. It will be further appreciated that theprocessor 110 and the memory 112 may be formed as a single unit ordisparate units.

The firearm practice program 120 is stored in the memory 112 in a mannerknown to those of ordinary skill. The program 120 includes computerreadable instructions, that when executed by the processor 110, causethe processor 110 to perform the functions described herein. The firearmpractice program 120 may be downloaded from a computer server (notshown) over a network, such as the Internet, in a manner known to thoseof ordinary skill. In an embodiment, the program 120 is a computerapplication or “app” that is downloaded from an online app store, suchas iTunes or Google Play. In an embodiment, the program 120 isdownloaded to the electronic device 102 from a specific website on theInternet, such as a website associated with the manufacturer of thepractice round 104. In an embodiment, the program 120 is downloaded froma USB drive or other portable storage device, such as a CD. In anembodiment, the program 120 is loaded into the memory 112 at the time ofmanufacture of the electronic device 102.

In an embodiment, the display 114 is a touch screen display as known tothose of ordinary skill. The display 114 is operable to display a userinterface that allows a user to interface with the processor 110 as itexecutes the program 120. In particular, the user interface on thedisplay 114 allows the user to select options and features provided bythe firearm training program 120 running on the processor 110. The userinterface further allows the user to input data and view data calculatedand provided by the processor 110 as will be described hereinafter. Inan embodiment, the battery 116 is operable to provide power to theelectronic device as known to those have ordinary skill. The radio 117and antenna 118 allows the electronic device 102 to communicate usingradio frequency transmissions with the practice round 104. Morespecifically, the radio 117 and the antenna 118 allows the processor 110to receive a stop signal and other data from the practice round 104 aswill be described in more detail hereinafter. The start signal generator122 may generate a start signal that is perceived by a user in responseto a signal generated by the processor 110. In an embodiment, startsignal generator 122 comprises one or more of a speaker, a vibrator, oran electronic display.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3F, there are depicted exemplary interfaces ofthe graphical user interface that is generated by the processor 110 fordisplay to a user on the display 114 of the electronic device 102.Referring now to FIG. 3A, an interface 130 includes a start button 132.In response to a user selecting the start button 132, the processor 110will generate a start signal and start an electronic timer on theprocessor 110 after an optional predetermined delay. The processor 110will display the elapsed time in a time display frame 134 on theinterface 130. The processor 110 will continue to run the timer until awireless stop signal is received from the practice round 104, at whichpoint the total elapsed time between the start signal and the stopsignal, as calculated by the processor 110, is shown in the time displayframe 134.

In an alternative embodiment, the electronic timer is located at thepractice round 104. Accordingly, in response to a user selecting thestart button 132 on the electronic device 102, the processor 110 willgenerate wireless start signal after a predetermined delay that istransmitted to the practice round 104. In response to receiving thewireless start signal, the practice round 104 starts the electronictimer. The practice round 104 stops the electronic timer in response tothe firing pin of the firearm striking the practice round. The practiceround 104 will then transmit the elapsed time to the electronic device102 where it is displayed to the user. Thus, it will be appreciated thatthe electronic timer may be located either at the practice round 104 orthe electronic device 102.

Still referring to FIG. 3A, the interface 130 further provides severalmenu options for user selection, including a settings button 136, ahistory button 138, and a connect button 140. In response to a userselecting the settings button 136, the processor 110 will generate aninterface 142 as shown in FIG. 3B. The interface 142 provides twoselectable options, a start alert button 144 and a start delay button146. In response to a user selecting the start alert button 144, theprocessor 110 generates the user interface 148 as shown in FIG. 3C. Theinterface 148 allows a user to select the start signal generated by thestart signal generator 122 of the electronic device 102. In anembodiment, the start signal is one of a beep, vibrate, or both. Inresponse to a user selecting the start delay button 146 on the interface142 as shown in FIG. 3B, the processor 110 generates an interface 150 asshown in FIG. 3D. The interface 150 allows the user to select a timedelay between the user selecting the start button 132 (FIG. 3A) and thestart signal generated by the start signal generator 122 of theelectronic device 102. It will be appreciated that the start delayallows a user to select the start button 132 (FIG. 3A) and then set downthe electronic device 102 and get ready for the start signal.

When a user selects the history button 138 on the interface 130 in FIG.3A, the processor 110 generates an interface 152 as shown in FIG. 3E.The interface 152 allows a user to review all previous times recorded bythe processor 110 and stored on the electronic device 102. When a userselects the connect button 140 on the interface 130 in FIG. 3A, theprocessor 110 generates an interface 154 as shown in FIG. 3F. Theinterface 154 allows a user to send a recovery signal to the practiceround 104. In response to the recovery signal, the practice round 104will transmit data to the electronic device 102. In an embodiment, thedata transmitted to the electronic device 102 comprises a log of alltimes recorded at the practice round 104.

Practice Round

Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, as can be observed, the practice round104 is dimensioned similar to a live round. However, the practice round104 is completely inert, meaning that the practice round 104 does not,and cannot, fire a bullet. The practice round 104 may be configured andadapted to fit into the chamber of most firearms, including rifles andpistols. In this regard, the practice round 104 may be dimensioned tofit into a chamber of a particular caliber of firearm. In an embodiment,the practice round 104 is dimensioned to be utilized in one of thefollowing calibers: 0.380 ACP, 9 mm, 0.38 special, 0.357 magnum, 0.40S&W, 0.45 ACP, 0.44 magnum. It will be further appreciated that thepractice round 104 may be dimensioned to fit in a firearm chamber ofalmost any caliber. The practice round 104 may include a casing 200 thatextends from a proximal end 202 to a distal end 204. The proximal end202 may include a flat proximal surface 206 adapted to receive a strikefrom a firing pin of a firearm while the round 104 is loaded into achamber. As shown in FIG. 5, located in the distal end 204 of thepractice round 104 is a charging port 208 for forming a connection witha power source to charge a battery located within the practice round104.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is depicted an exploded view of thepractice round 104. The casing 200 includes a top portion 210, a bottomportion 212, and a tip portion 214 that define an internal chamberwithin the casing 200. Disposed within the chamber are electroniccomponents that enable the practice round 104 to receive and transmit awireless signal to the electronic device 102. Referring to FIGS. 7, 8and 9, a circuit board 220 is mounted within the chamber of the casing200. The circuit board 220 may include a multi-functional processingmodule 222. In an embodiment, the module 222 incorporates an antenna, aradio transmitter and receiver, a processor, and a memory. Loaded in thememory is program having computer-readable instructions that cause theprocessor, when executing the instructions, to perform and provide thefunctions and features of the practice round 104 as described herein. Acommercially available device suitable for use as the module 222 is theSimblee module by RF Digital. Connected to the circuit board 220 is alsothe charging port 208 which is operable to allow a battery 224 mountedon the board 220 to be charged. It will be appreciated that the battery224 provides power to the components of the board 220.

Connected to the board 220 and in communication with the processor ofthe module 222 is a firing pin strike sensor 226. The sensor 226 mayextend through an orifice 228 defined in the flat proximal surface 206of the casing 200. It will be appreciated that the firing pin strikesensor 226 is located on the flat proximal surface 206 of the casing 200in the conventional position of the primer for a live round. Thus, thefiring pin strike sensor 226 is able to detect a strike of the firingpin of a firearm on the practice round 104. In an embodiment, the sensor226 is a switch that is depressed in response to the strike of thefiring pin. In an embodiment, the sensor 226 comprises a piezoelectricmaterial. In an embodiment, the sensor 226 comprises a microphone. Itwill be appreciated that the sensor 226 is any sensor capable ofdetecting the strike of the firing pin. The sensor 226 may be protectedby a flexible polyurethane member 230 that extends over the orifice 228of the casing 200.

In response to the processor of the module 222 receiving a signalindicating that the firing pin of the firearm has struck the firing pinstrike sensor 226, the module 222 transmits a wireless signal to theelectronic device 102. In response to the receipt of the signal from thepractice round 104, the electronic device 102 stops the electronic timerrunning on the electronic device 102. In an alternative embodiment, themodule 222 stops an electronic timer running on the processor of themodule 222 in response to a signal from the firing pin strike sensor226. Thus, it will be appreciated that the signal from the firing pinstrike sensor 226 may stop an electronic timer running locally on thepractice round 104 or on the remote electronic device 102. If theelectronic timer is local, the module 222 may store a log of allpreviously recorded times. The log may then be uploaded to theelectronic device 102 from the practice round 104.

It will be appreciated that the practice round 104 and the electronicdevice 102 communicate using radio frequency signals. In an embodiment,the practice round 104 and the electronic device 102 communicate using ashort-range wireless connection, such as the Bluetooth standard. In thisregard, the practice round 104 and the electronic device 102 may bewirelessly paired to each other in a manner known to those of ordinaryskill.

In an embodiment, an electronic timing device is disposed within thecasing of the practice round 104. The electronic timing device mayutilized the processor of the module 222 in order to start and stop anelectronic timer. In an embodiment, the electronic timing devicecomprises the processor 110 of the electronic device 102. Thus, it willbe appreciated that the electronic timing device may be incorporatedinto the components of the practice round 104 or the electronic device102.

Below is a discussion of various practice drills that may be performedusing the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that the presentdisclosure may be utilized with any number of practice drills now knownor known in the future.

Exemplary Practice Drill—Quick Draw

This drill provides a user with a time for drawing and firing theweapon. In this drill, the practice round 104 is loaded into the chamberof the firearm. On the start signal from the electronic device 102, theuser draws the firearm and presses the trigger causing the firing pin tostrike the practice round 104. The electronic device 102 then displaysthe time between the start signal and the firing pin striking thepractice round 104.

Exemplary Practice Drill—Magazine Change

In this drill, the user starts with an empty magazine in the firearmwith the slide (pistol) or bolt (rifle) locked to the rear. On the startsignal from the electronic device 102, the user will press the magazinerelease and drop the empty magazine from the firearm. The user willretrieve a new magazine containing the practice round 104. This magazinewill be placed in the magazine well of the firearm and the slide or boltwill be released, then the trigger will be pressed releasing the firingpin and giving the user an accurate time for the magazine change.

Exemplary Practice Drill—Malfunction Clearance

A weapons malfunction is a disruption in any of the eight cycles offunction (feeding, chambering, locking, firing, unlocking, extraction,ejection, cocking) The first action taken with malfunction is usuallycalled immediate action. This is a very basic movement that solves mostmalfunctions. Immediate action for a pistol is tap, rack, bang. The userwill start with a magazine loaded with the practice round 104. Themagazine will be seated in the pistol with no practice round 104chambered. On the start signal from the electronic device 102, the userwill draw his pistol and press the trigger on an empty chamber. Thiswill simulate a FTF (failure to fire). At this point the user will tapthe base of the seated magazine to ensure it is properly seated, thenthe user will rack the slide to clear any ammunition that may be causingthe malfunction and also chambering the practice round 104 into thepistol. Then the user will press the trigger to cause the firing pin tostrike the practice round 104. This drill will give the user a time forcorrecting the FTF.

Exemplary Practice Drill—Transitions

Transitions are for when the primary weapon system (usually a rifle orshotgun) goes down and the user needs to transition to a secondaryweapon (usually a pistol). When the user sets up to practicetransitions, the user will have an empty chamber on the primary systemand the practice round 104 chambered into the secondary weapon. On thestart signal generated from the electronic device 102, the user willpress the trigger on the primary weapon which will result in a FTF. Theuser will then use their weak hand to guide the weapon off to theirnon-firing side, and, at the same time, with their strong hand the userwill draw the secondary weapon. The user will bring the secondaryweapons up to the target and press the trigger which causes the firingpin to strike the practice round 104. This drill provides a user withthe time to conduct a transition drill. End of examples.

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a practice round foruse with a firearm having a chamber and a firing pin, said practiceround comprising: a casing configured and dimensioned to be removablyinserted into the chamber of the firearm; a processor disposed withinthe casing; and a firing pin strike sensor in communication with saidprocessor; wherein said firing pin strike sensor is configured to send asignal to said processor in response to an impact of the firing pin ofthe firearm. The practice round of the above embodiment, wherein theprocessor is configured to provide an electronic timer, wherein theprocessor is further configured to stop the electronic timer in responseto the signal from the firing pin strike sensor. The practice round ofthe above embodiment, wherein the processor is further configured tostart the electronic timer in response to receiving a wireless signalfrom a remote electronic device. The practice round of the aboveembodiment, further comprising a memory in communication with saidprocessor, wherein said processor is further configured to storemeasured times in said memory as determined by said electronic timer.The practice round of the above embodiment, further comprising a radiotransmitter disposed within the casing, wherein the radio transmitter isin communication with said processor, wherein the processor isconfigured to transmit a wireless signal using the radio transmitter toa remote electronic device in response to the signal from the firing pinstrike sensor. The practice round of the above embodiment, wherein thefiring pin strike sensor comprises one of a mechanical switch, apressure switch and a piezoelectric material. The practice round of theabove embodiment, further comprising a battery disposed within saidcasing and a battery charging port for charging said battery. Thepractice round of the above embodiment, further comprising a radiotransmitter and receiver disposed within said casing, wherein the radiotransmitter and receiver is in communication with said processor.

The present disclosure provides a system for performing training drillswith a firearm, the firearm having a chamber and a firing pin, thesystem comprising:

-   -   a practice round comprising:        -   a casing configured and dimensioned to be removably inserted            into the chamber of the firearm,        -   a processor disposed within the casing, and        -   a firing pin strike sensor in communication with said            processor,        -   wherein said firing pin strike sensor is configured to            generate a signal in response to an impact of the firing pin            of the firearm;    -   an electronic device comprising:        -   a processor configured to receive user input from a user            interface, and        -   wherein said processor is further configured to generate a            start signal in response to said user input; and        -   an electronic timing device configured to (i) start an            electronic timer in response to the start signal generated            by the processor of the electronic device, and (ii) stop the            electronic timer in response to the signal from said firing            pin strike sensor.

The system of the above embodiment, wherein the electronic timing deviceis disposed within the casing of the practice round. The system of theabove embodiment, wherein the electronic timing device comprises theprocessor of the electronic device. The system of the above embodiment,wherein the practice round further comprises a radio transmitter andreceiver disposed within the casing. The system of the above embodiment,wherein the practice round and the electronic device communicate usingshort range radio frequency transmissions. The system of the aboveembodiment, wherein the electronic device is a smart phone.

The present disclosure provides a method of performing a practice drillwith a firearm, the firearm having a chamber, firing pin, and a trigger,said method comprising: loading a practice round into the chamber of thefirearm, the practice round having a firing pin strike sensor; startingan electronic timer; performing the practice drill with the firearm thatends with the firing pin striking the practice round; generating asignal from the firing pin strike sensor in response to the firing pinstriking the practice round; stopping the electronic timer in responseto the signal from the firing pin strike sensor; and displaying on adisplay an elapsed time between the start and stop of the electronictimer. The method above, wherein the practice round comprises aprocessor in communication with the firing pin strike sensor. The methodabove, wherein the practice round further comprises a rechargeablebattery. The method above, wherein the practice round further comprisesa radio transmitter and receiver. The method above, wherein the firingpin strike sensor is one of a mechanical switch, a pressure switch, anda piezoelectric switch. The method above, wherein the practice drill isone of a quick-draw drill, a malfunction clearance drill, a transitiondrill, and a magazine change drill.

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a practice round foruse with a firearm having a chamber and a firing pin, said practiceround comprising: casing configured and dimensioned to be removablyinserted into the chamber of the firearm; the casing having a proximalend surface; a processor disposed within the casing; a firing pin strikesensor in communication with said processor; and a radio transmitter incommunication with said processor; wherein said firing pin strike sensoris configured to send a signal to said processor in response to animpact of the firing pin of the firearm on the proximal end surface ofthe casing; wherein said processor is configured to cause said radiotransmitter to transmit a wireless signal in response to receiving thesignal from the firing pin strike sensor. The practice round of theembodiment, wherein the firing pin strike sensor is disposed on theproximal end surface of the casing. The practice round of theembodiment, wherein the firing pin strike sensor comprises a switch. Thepractice round of the embodiment, wherein the switch is one of amechanical switch or a pressure switch. The practice round of theembodiment, wherein the firing pin strike sensor comprises apiezoelectric material. The practice round of the embodiment, furthercomprising a battery disposed within the casing. The practice round ofthe embodiment, further comprising a battery charging port for chargingsaid battery. The practice round of the embodiment, wherein the casingis one of injected molded and die cast.

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system for performingtraining drills with a firearm, the firearm having a chamber and afiring pin, said system comprising: a practice round comprising: acasing configured and dimensioned to be removably inserted into thechamber of the firearm, the casing having a proximal end surface, aprocessor disposed within the casing, a firing pin strike sensor incommunication with said processor, and a radio transmitter incommunication with said processor, wherein said firing pin strike sensoris configured to send a signal to said processor in response to animpact of the firing pin of the firearm on the proximal end surface ofthe casing, wherein said processor is configured to cause said radiotransmitter to transmit a wireless signal in response to receiving thesignal from the firing pin strike sensor; and an electronic devicecomprising: a processor configured to provide an electronic timer, auser interface in communication with said processor and operable toreceive user input, a radio receiver in communication with saidprocessor, and a display, wherein said processor is further configuredto (i) start said electronic timer in response to user input receivedthrough the user interface, (ii) stop the electronic timer in responseto receiving the wireless signal from the practice round, and (iii)display an elapsed time between the start and the stop of the electronictimer on the display. The embodiment of the present disclosure furtherprovides wherein the processor of the electronic device is furtherconfigured to provide a time delay prior to the start of the electronictimer. The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides whereinthe processor is further configured to vary a length of the time delayin response to user input. The embodiment of the present disclosurefurther provides wherein the electronic device is a smart phone. Theembodiment of the present disclosure further provides wherein the firingpin strike sensor is disposed at the proximal end surface of the casing.The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides wherein thefiring pin strike sensor is one of a mechanical switch, a pressureswitch, and a piezoelectric switch.

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of performinga training drill with a firearm, the firearm having a chamber, firingpin, and a trigger, said method comprising:

loading a practice round into the chamber of the firearm; starting anelectronic timer on an electronic device; performing the training drillwith the firearm that ends with pulling the trigger on the firearm suchthat the firing pin strikes the practice round; generating a strikesignal from a firing pin strike sensor in response to the firing pinstriking the practice round; transmitting a wireless stop signal from aradio transmitter in response to the strike signal; receiving thewireless stop signal at the electronic device; stopping the electronictimer on the electronic device in response to the wireless stop signal;and displaying on a display an elapsed time between the start and stopof the electronic timer. The embodiment of the present disclosurefurther provides the method wherein the practice round comprises acasing configured and dimensioned to be removably inserted into thechamber of the firearm, the casing having a proximal end surface and aprocessor, wherein the processor is in communication with the firing pinstrike sensor and the radio transmitter. The embodiment of the presentdisclosure further provides the method wherein the practice roundfurther comprises a rechargeable battery. The embodiment of the presentdisclosure further provides the method wherein the electronic devicecomprises a smart phone. The embodiment of the present disclosurefurther provides the method wherein the firing pin strike sensor is oneof a mechanical switch and a pressure switch. The embodiment of thepresent disclosure further provides the method wherein the trainingdrill is one of a quick-draw drill, a malfunction clearance drill, atransition drill, and a magazine change drill.

Those having ordinary skill in the relevant art will appreciate theadvantages provide by the features of the present disclosure. Forexample, the present disclosure provides a system for allowing a user topractice firearm training drills using a practice round and anelectronic device, such as a smartphone. It is further a feature of thepresent disclosure to provide a practice round that is able to sendradio frequency signals to an electronic device in response to a firingpin striking the round while it is loaded within the chamber of afirearm. It is further a feature of the present disclosure to provide atiming device for allowing a user to perform training drills with afirearm than end with a trigger pull. It is a further feature of thepresent disclosure, in accordance with one aspect thereof, to provide apractice round that includes a radio transmitter for sending signals toan electronic device.

In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features of the presentdisclosure are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purposeof streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to beinterpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosurerequires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather,as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than allfeatures of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the followingclaims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description of theDisclosure by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as aseparate embodiment of the present disclosure.

It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are onlyillustrative of the application of the principles of the presentdisclosure. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may bedevised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spiritand scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims are intendedto cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the presentdisclosure has been shown in the drawings and described above withparticularity and detail, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to,variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner ofoperation, assembly and use may be made without departing from theprinciples and concepts set forth herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A practice round for use with a firearm having achamber and a firing pin, said practice round comprising: a casingconfigured and dimensioned to be removably inserted into the chamber ofthe firearm; a processor disposed within the casing; and a firing pinstrike sensor in communication with said processor; wherein said firingpin strike sensor is configured to send a signal to said processor inresponse to an impact of the firing pin of the firearm.
 2. The practiceround of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to provide anelectronic timer, wherein the processor is further configured to stopthe electronic timer in response to the signal from the firing pinstrike sensor.
 3. The practice round of claim 2, wherein the processoris further configured to start the electronic timer in response toreceiving a wireless signal from a remote electronic device.
 4. Thepractice round of claim 2, further comprising a memory in communicationwith said processor, wherein said processor is further configured tostore measured times in said memory as determined by said electronictimer.
 5. The practice round of claim 1, further comprising a radiotransmitter disposed within the casing, wherein the radio transmitter isin communication with said processor, wherein the processor isconfigured to transmit a wireless signal using the radio transmitter toa remote electronic device in response to the signal from the firing pinstrike sensor.
 6. The practice round of claim 1, wherein the firing pinstrike sensor comprises one of a mechanical switch, a pressure switchand a piezoelectric material.
 7. The practice round of claim 6, furthercomprising a battery disposed within said casing and a battery chargingport for charging said battery.
 8. The practice round of claim 1,further comprising a radio transmitter and receiver disposed within saidcasing, wherein the radio transmitter and receiver is in communicationwith said processor.
 9. A system for performing training drills with afirearm, the firearm having a chamber and a firing pin, said systemcomprising: a practice round comprising: a casing configured anddimensioned to be removably inserted into the chamber of the firearm, aprocessor disposed within the casing, and a firing pin strike sensor incommunication with said processor, wherein said firing pin strike sensoris configured to generate a signal in response to an impact of thefiring pin of the firearm; an electronic device comprising: a processorconfigured to receive user input from a user interface, and wherein saidprocessor is further configured to generate a start signal in responseto said user input; and an electronic timing device configured to (i)start an electronic timer in response to the start signal generated bythe processor of the electronic device, and (ii) stop the electronictimer in response to the signal from said firing pin strike sensor. 10.The system of claim 9, wherein the electronic timing device is disposedwithin the casing of the practice round.
 11. The system of claim 9,wherein the electronic timing device comprises the processor of theelectronic device.
 12. The system of claim 9, wherein the practice roundfurther comprises a radio transmitter and receiver disposed within thecasing.
 13. The system of claim 9, wherein the practice round and theelectronic device communicate using short range radio frequencytransmissions.
 14. The system of claim 9, wherein the electronic deviceis a smart phone.
 15. A method of performing a practice drill with afirearm, the firearm having a chamber, firing pin, and a trigger, saidmethod comprising: loading a practice round into the chamber of thefirearm, the practice round having a firing pin strike sensor; startingan electronic timer; performing the practice drill with the firearm thatends with the firing pin striking the practice round; generating asignal from the firing pin strike sensor in response to the firing pinstriking the practice round; stopping the electronic timer in responseto the signal from the firing pin strike sensor; and displaying on adisplay an elapsed time between the start and stop of the electronictimer.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the practice round comprisesa processor in communication with the firing pin strike sensor.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the practice round further comprises arechargeable battery.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the practiceround further comprises a radio transmitter and receiver.
 19. The methodof claim 15, wherein the firing pin strike sensor is one of a mechanicalswitch, a pressure switch, and a piezoelectric switch.
 20. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the practice drill is one of a quick-draw drill, amalfunction clearance drill, a transition drill, and a magazine changedrill.